One Simple Rule Revisted

I am embarrassed to note that I have not written in the blog for over a year! My only relief is in knowing that there are not hundreds of people out there who have subscribed to this blog and are waiting for me to publish more posts (but thanks to the four of you who have subscribed!).

So why post now? Well I am writing this blog two years after the events that caused me to start it, and this time of year always makes me think about the kind of topics covered in this blog.

Just for review - the "One Simple Rule" referred to in the title is the one we often call the "golden rule" - to do unto others as we would want them to do to us. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - Jesus, Matt. 7:12. 

Pretty simple right? What a difference it would make if we all lived that way. Think about it. Before you betray someone, would you still do it if you thought back to the pain it has caused you when you have been betrayed? Before you gossip about someone or spread a rumor, would you do it if you thought about the way you have felt when you discovered that someone was talking about you behind your back? How about rejecting someone, or abandoning them in a time of need - have you never been rejected or abandoned? Do you not remember what that feels like?

The truth is that many of the most difficult issues we struggle with in life are caused by the things we do to each other! We have no control over struggles with sickness and natural disasters, but most of what gives us pain are the things that people have done to hurt us. That means that most of our struggles are avoidable and preventable!! If only we would do unto others as we want them to do unto us.

Is this a little unrealistic? Too much to ask? Remember that Jesus is the one who said it first. It is worded as a commandment but it really just common sense wisdom on how to reduce the amount of pain and struggle in your life.

Something simple to think about for sure.